If you are on the lookout for a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you cannot go wrong with this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe. It combines tender penne perfectly coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that is rich, comforting, and downright addictive. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends with your cooking chops, this recipe brings creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness to your table every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, or that unmistakable garlic punch that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Holds onto the sauce beautifully with its tubular shape, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a silky base for the garlic and roux, elevating the sauce’s richness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its unforgettable aromatic warmth—fresh is best!
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, creating the perfect creamy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: Makes the sauce smooth and luscious while keeping it light enough.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxury to the sauce’s texture, making it irresistibly silky.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, contributing savory depth and that iconic cheesy flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors, with room to adjust according to your taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that complements garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional): Adds an herby background note, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Offers a fresh pop of color and brightness when serving.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This little step ensures your penne is seasoned from the start. Add the pasta and cook it just until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be enveloped by that dreamy garlic cream sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce
Next, melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned—you want that delicate garlic aroma without any bitterness. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for a minute or two to create a smooth roux. This is the foundation of your luscious sauce, so take your time here.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep cooking the sauce for about 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to thicken gently. You’ll notice the sauce turning creamy and indulgent, the perfect consistency to cling to your penne.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Now comes the heart of this recipe: adding the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and if you’re using it, Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for another minute or two so the cheese melts beautifully and the flavors harmonize. You’ll be greeted by a rich, cheesy, garlicky sauce that practically sings with flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, add your cooked penne to the skillet and toss it well, ensuring every piece is generously coated in that creamy garlic goodness. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely burst of color and freshness, and your comforting Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can add brightness and texture to this dish. For an extra pop of color and slight crunch, a handful of toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes can work wonders, turning a home-cooked meal into something special.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides to balance its creamy richness. Think a bright green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even garlic bread for those carb lovers who want double the indulgence. Light sides add contrast and ensure your meal is well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls sprinkled with microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests. You can even bake it briefly with extra cheese on top for a gratin-style twist. For casual dinners, try layering it in glass jars for easy, grab-and-go portions that still look picture-perfect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy garlic penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors all over again without any hassle.
Freezing
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture might change slightly once thawed. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It’s best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps restore the sauce’s original creamy texture, preventing it from drying out or becoming clumpy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle will also work wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken, cook the sauce a bit longer to reduce, or add a touch more flour during the roux stage. To thin the sauce, stir in a small amount of milk until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce and elevates the dish into a complete meal.
What can I do if my sauce is lumpy?
Whisk vigorously while gradually adding the milk and cream to avoid lumps. If lumps appear, strain the sauce through a fine sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out before combining with the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it has endless charm no matter how many times you make it. With simple ingredients transformed into something so magical, it’s a recipe you’ll love having in your regular rotation. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite cozy meal to share with family and friends.
Print
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich garlic cream sauce made from butter, garlic, flour, milk, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, it offers a delightful balance of creamy texture and savory flavor, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Make sure to constantly whisk when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- You can add cooked chicken or vegetables for extra protein and nutrients.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste, especially if using salted butter or a salty cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as the sauce thickens upon standing.
